Aitor Karanka admits he is wary of picking players who are one card away from a ban.

George Friend and Ryan Fredericks are both one booking away from suspension.

Karanka confirmed that he rested Fredericks at Rotherham for that very reason on Saturday.

With Boro facing two important Championship games in the next five days, the Spaniard has to tread carefully, starting with tonight’s home clash with Norwich City (7.45pm).

“In the last game I left out Ryan and also replaced George in the last five minutes,” said Karanka.

“I have to take care because sometimes you have to put the balance between winning the game against the risk of losing players for the following game.

“I have to think about Norwich because we have another game on Saturday (Bournemouth) and both are very important.”

Karanka played Emilio Nsue at right-back against Rotherham but wouldn’t be drawn on whether he would recall Fredericks tonight.

“Emilio played very well and he may play again,” he said.

“I have another two chances to keep Ryan protected or play Emilio so it’s a very good choice for me.”

Kenneth Omeruo was a surprise omission from matchday squad at Rotherham with Milos Veljkovic getting the nod on the bench.

Explaining why, Karanka said: “I have to choose the best 11 players and, after that, the best players for the bench and for that game I felt Milos was the better player than him to play as a defender.”